Archippus Ἄρχιππος
Fellow soldier and minister in Colossae
Who is Archippus in the Bible?
Archippus was an early Christian minister in the church at Colossae whom Paul addressed as a "fellow soldier" in his letters. He is mentioned twice in Paul's New Testament epistles: in Colossians 4:17, where Paul urges him to "complete the ministry you have received in the Lord," and in Philemon 1:2, where he is greeted alongside Philemon and Apphia. Paul's exhortation suggests that Archippus held a position of spiritual responsibility in the Colossian church, and the military language Paul uses to describe him indicates his active commitment to advancing the gospel. Though little is known about Archippus beyond these brief references, his inclusion in Paul's correspondence demonstrates his significance in the early church community and Paul's concern that he faithfully fulfill his ministerial duties.
Biography
Archippus was a member of the early Christian church, mentioned by Paul in his letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. In the letter to the Colossians, Paul instructs the church to tell Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord" (Col. 4:17). This suggests that Archippus held a position of responsibility within the church at Colossae and that Paul wanted to encourage him to fulfill his duties faithfully.
In the letter to Philemon, Archippus is addressed alongside Philemon and Apphia as a "fellow soldier" (Phm. 1:2). This military metaphor indicates that Archippus was a committed and active member of the Christian community, working alongside others to advance the gospel message. The inclusion of Archippus in the opening of this personal letter also suggests a close relationship between him and Paul, as well as with Philemon and Apphia.
While no further details about Archippus' life or specific ministry are provided in the biblical text, these brief mentions highlight his importance within the early church and Paul's desire to encourage and support him in his Christian service.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentColossians 1 verse
- Colossians 4:17
"Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”"
Study Colossians →
Philemon 1 verse
- Philemon 1:2
"to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἄρχιππος | Árchippos | horse-ruler; Archippus, a Christian |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain) Archippus
l 4:17; Phm 1:2). See APPHIA. The tradition that he was one of the seventy disciples, became bishop of Laodicea and later became a martyr, seems to have little historical foundation.
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